Kannada film stars head to Chennai for centenary fete

With the southern film industry celebrating the centenary of Indian cinema in Chennai, namma Sandalwood will cease all film production activities in the State from August 28 to September 4.

What makes the celebrations even more special is that 50 stalwarts who made significant contribution to ensure that Kannada film industry carved a niche for itself on the Indian and global movie marquee will be felicitated at the Chennai conclave.

Flagging off the festivity on September 1, according to South Indian Film Chamber of Commerce president Kalyan, would be the screening of Tamil and Malayalam films, followed by Kannada and Telugu films. On two days, four hours would be reserved in the morning and evening shows for two regional language movies, he said, adding the main events would be held at Nehru Indoor Stadium, which has a seating capacity of 8,000.

The six-hour grand finale — from 5 pm to 11 pm — on September 3, at YMCA Nandanan, with a seating capacity of 12,000, he said, will see chi- ef ministers of the four southern states in attendance with President Pranab Mukherjee expected to grace the occasion.

Further, Kalyan said, the film industry was holding talks with the Postal department for bringing out commemorative stamps on Kannada film star Vishnuvardhan and ten others who have enriched the Kannada film industry through their contribution.

Karnataka Film Chamber

of Commerce president B Vijay Kumar said they would present before Union Information & Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni the various issues before the southern film industry and provide the due recognition it deserves.